The hottest Media Studies Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Let's Talk About ChatGPT-Induced Spiritual Psychosis

Default Wisdom • 1754 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Media Studies Digital Culture Psychology Technology impact
  1. AI can make people think in strange ways, kind of like how new tech has always shaken up our beliefs. This isn't just about today; it's happened throughout history.
  2. Past technologies, like radio and TV, have changed how we see the world and ourselves, leading to feelings of isolation but also opening up new ways to connect with others.
  3. The internet and social media have made us more focused on ourselves, sometimes making people think they can shape reality with their thoughts, which could be risky when using AI.

Condensing The Iceberg

Adjacent Possible • 458 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Information Theory Attention Economy Media Studies Digital Culture Communication
  1. We're living in an era where our attention is a limited resource. Phones and social media have become really good at grabbing our focus because they filter information in ways that many find appealing.
  2. Understanding how information is condensed is important for both writers and readers. When writers filter vast amounts of content, they create a clearer picture for readers, but it can be challenging for people to delve deeper into topics.
  3. There are costs to the way we consume information today. It can be harder to concentrate on long texts because of the quick, bite-sized content we're used to. Finding ways to balance skimming and deeper engagement with information is crucial.

The Enclosure of the Human Psyche

The Convivial Society • 3751 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Digital Culture Media Studies Social theory Psychology
  1. We need to protect our minds from being controlled by technology. Just like how land was taken away from the public, our thoughts and feelings can also be captured and managed by companies.
  2. Our smartphones feel personal, but they constantly collect information about us. It creates a sense that our devices know our thoughts when they only analyze our data.
  3. Silence and quiet time are essential for our mental health. When technology distracts us, it steals our chance to think deeply and connect with others.

A Brief Theory of the Modern Gift Guide

Culture Study • 3013 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Consumerism Gift Guides Media Studies Curation
  1. Gift guides are super helpful because they show shoppers what's available. They help people find gifts without feeling lost in endless options.
  2. Many gift guides now rely on affiliate links for income. This helps publications stay afloat while still recommending products they think are great.
  3. People enjoy the personal touch of tailored gift suggestions. It's nice to feel like someone understands your tastes and can help you pick the perfect gift.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: Trump's Smoke & Mirrors

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 884 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media Studies Public Policy Trump administration Political Commentary
  1. Trump's actions often focus on getting attention rather than creating real change. Many of his plans are more about performance than effective policy.
  2. The media needs to separate Trump's true policies from his showmanship, but many outlets are caught up in the drama instead.
  3. Trump's potential policies could harm the economy, and it's crucial for clear information to be shared so the public can understand the impact.
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Elite Human Capital in Open and Closed Cultures

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 755 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Ideology Culture Wars Public Discourse Media Studies
  1. People with high human capital often prefer reading and writing over watching videos or listening to podcasts. This preference comes from a higher intelligence and a desire for deeper understanding.
  2. Not all groups with high human capital are liberal; some can be conservative. However, these conservative groups may create closed cultures that do not accept different views.
  3. Currently, in American politics, there is a divide between open-minded thinkers with high human capital and those who are less open and informed. This division shapes political discussions and community attitudes.

A Different Way To Think About Ideas on the Internet

Culture Study • 1615 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Studies Fan culture Creativity
  1. Fan fiction is often misunderstood but is a significant part of modern culture, reflecting deeper themes of sexuality, identity, and societal norms. It provides a way for people to explore these ideas in creative ways.
  2. Data analysis of fan fiction can reveal interesting trends, such as why certain characters or relationships are more popular. This helps audiences see the connections between fan fiction and broader cultural discussions.
  3. The process of creating visual essays on topics like fan fiction involves collaboration and creative problem-solving. It's about making complex subjects engaging and accessible, encouraging more people to think about cultural issues differently.

We Looked at 78 Election Deepfakes. Political Misinformation is not an AI Problem.

AI Snake Oil • 1171 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Science Misinformation Media Studies AI Ethics
  1. Many uses of AI in political contexts aren't trying to deceive. In fact, about half of the deepfakes created in elections were used for legitimate purposes like enhancing campaigns or providing satire.
  2. Creating deceptive misinformation doesn't need AI. It can be done cheaply and easily with regular editing tools or even just by hiring people, meaning AI isn't the sole cause of these issues.
  3. The bigger problem isn’t the technology itself but the demand for misinformation. People’s preferences and existing beliefs drive them to seek out and accept false information, making structural changes more critical than just focusing on AI.

Reading/TV, Podcasts, and Elite Human Capital

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 633 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Media Studies Human Capital Socioeconomics
  1. Conservatives tend to prefer watching TV and listening to podcasts, while liberals often gravitate towards reading. This difference can impact how each group understands and interacts with politics.
  2. The cultural divide between people with varying levels of education and knowledge can shape political affiliations. Higher educated individuals are often more liberal, which has changed over the years.
  3. Political movements can share traits with both liberal and conservative ideologies. For example, right-leaning groups can sometimes exhibit characteristics similar to those found in some leftist groups.

The Medium Is the Monster

Default Wisdom • 669 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Media Studies Social Commentary Youth culture Digital Identity
  1. The internet is now a part of everyday life, and many people feel they are always online. This constant connectivity can lead to a disconnect from the physical world.
  2. Young people's media consumption can numb their emotions and foster negative behaviors, as engaging with internet culture often separates them from real-life experiences.
  3. Online communities can influence offline actions, as seen in tragic events where individuals blur the lines between fiction and reality, leading to serious consequences.

C-SPAN, Paranoia, Sleeping Babies

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 909 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Public Policy Media Studies Psychology Social Issues
  1. You can watch my C-SPAN interview about various topics related to public affairs. It's interesting to see how different subjects are discussed in media.
  2. I have a new lecture series on the psychology of social status, exploring why people seek status and how it influences behavior. This could help you understand social dynamics better.
  3. I shared some links to articles that discuss responsibility in society, paranoia, and modern issues. These readings could offer a deeper understanding of our current world.

Yes, Xxit

Never Met a Science • 88 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🚌 Education Higher education Communication Media Studies Sociology Public Engagement
  1. Many universities are considering leaving social media platforms like X because they can hurt their reputation and make communication less effective.
  2. Instead of trying to compete for attention on crowded platforms, universities should focus on creating their own quality spaces for sharing academic knowledge, like high-quality videos and public talks.
  3. Communication needs to be taken seriously; a careless online presence can be more damaging than having no presence at all, so investing wisely is important.

Mentions of Political Extremism in English Wikipedia

Rozado’s Visual Analytics • 350 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media Studies Data Visualization Extremism
  1. English Wikipedia mentions far-right political extremism three times more than far-left extremism. This shows a noticeable difference in how each side is portrayed.
  2. The terms used to describe political extremism vary, with 'extreme' often linked more to the right and 'radical' to the left. However, the overall trend still favors right-wing mentions.
  3. These patterns in Wikipedia echo trends found in news media, suggesting that the way political extremism is discussed might be influenced by broader social and historical factors.

The Philosopher Made For TV

From the New World • 75 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Media Studies Cultural criticism Social justice
  1. John Rawls introduced the idea of the 'Veil of Ignorance', which suggests that true justice comes from understanding what it's like to be in someone else's shoes. This concept gained popularity with the rise of television, which allowed people to experience others' lives vicariously.
  2. Television's storytelling created a false sense of understanding between people, making them feel connected to different lives. However, these narratives were often crafted and not authentic representations of reality.
  3. The rise of social media changed the game by giving real, diverse opinions from actual people, breaking down the 'Veil of Ignorance'. Now, individuals can see the real differences among people's values and experiences, making it clear that everyone is unique.

Carmelo Pampillonio: Apophenic Realism

Do Not Research • 179 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Conspiracy Theories Media Studies
  1. The study delves into the world of conspiracy theories and how they are propagated in today's media landscape.
  2. Conspiracies like chemtrails and 5G illustrate people's desire to find hidden meanings in complex societal and technological issues.
  3. Conspiratorial thinking is often a means of holding those in power accountable and seeking a sense of empowerment.

Chris Hedges Livestream Q&A Tonight on the Future of The Middle East, 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET

The Chris Hedges Report • 47 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict resolution Media Studies Public Discourse
  1. Chris Hedges will host a live Q&A about the future of the Middle East. It happens at 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET.
  2. People can ask questions during the livestream, but you need to be a paid subscriber to participate.
  3. Make sure your questions are short and direct so they can be easily read during the show.

Commentator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics Military Policy Media Studies Public Health Trans issues
  1. Seymour Hersh has reported that the U.S. was involved in sabotaging the Nord Stream pipelines, which raises questions about media credibility and the motivations behind such actions. His claims challenge the official narratives about who may have been responsible.
  2. The war in Ukraine is escalating, with increased military support from the U.S. and more involvement in the conflict. This raises concerns about the implications of deeper military commitments and the possibility of a prolonged war.
  3. The debate around gender-affirming hormones for minors has intensified, with some reports suggesting inadequate oversight and the potential for irreversible medical interventions. Many are questioning how decisions are made in trans health care for young people.

Curator

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Film analysis Philosophy Sociology Literature Cultural critique Media Studies
  1. Technical disaster movies highlight how human mistakes can lead to disastrous situations. They show the gap between experts and the public and how technical problems often arise from neglect or poor management.
  2. Friedrich Hayek argued that central planning by a few people can't effectively manage complex markets. He believed that knowledge is dispersed and that no single authority can understand or control the economy completely.
  3. Gnosticism is compared to technocracy, seen as a challenge to rational thought. There's a belief that while technocrats think they have everything figured out, human searches for meaning and truth are still important and should not be ignored.

✅ Monday briefing: Met comms slammed, employee culture, reputation of PR, pay gaps, hidden salaries, AI strategy, NHS backlash, foodbank fundraiser, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 04 Oct 21
💼 Business Public Relations Corporate strategy Media Studies Compensation
  1. Companies need to pay attention to employee culture. Red flags include high turnover rates and excessive working hours, indicating issues within the organization.
  2. Salary transparency is important, but many companies avoid sharing salary information. This practice can contribute to pay gaps and employee dissatisfaction.
  3. There's a growing focus on the role of AI in business strategy. Governments are starting to invest in AI technologies to support economic growth and address skills shortages.